Shuck sits in opener despite success against lefties

HOUSTON -- J.B. Shuck's absence in the lineup against lefties isn't because he hasn't been hitting them. The problem is, he isn't the only one who has been having success against southpaws.

Shuck, who enters Friday's game against Astros southpaw Dallas Keuchel hitting .309 against lefties, waits his turn.

"There's two things," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "First, Collin Cowgill got some big hits against lefties when he got the chance. Kole Calhoun is a guy that's telling us, 'You're not taking me out of the lineup.' He's just killing the ball. So something's got to give, and right now, J.B.'s had to share some at-bats."

Shuck won't have to wait long, though.

"We'll get him back in there," said Scioscia, who added he plans to play Shuck on Saturday against Astros lefty Brett Oberholtzer.